LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




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What's a Capon and Why 




Copyrighted 1912 Copyrighted 19H 



By GEORGE BEUOY 



PRICE 50 CENTS 






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A $10,000.00 Chicken Ranch 
Dingley Dell Farm 

The home of the Celebrated Dingley Dell Strain of Barred 
Plymouth Rock chickens, the greatest laying strain on earth. 

Birds bred and raised on the Dingley Dell Farm have won 
more premiums at the really great poultry shows of the Cen- 
tral West than those from any other one strain. The season 
of 1910 to 14 Mr. Beuoy exhibited at the Kansas State Show, 
winning f onr first prizes and many minor places ; next he ship- 
ped an entirely different pen of birds to the Big Four State 
Intermountain Show at Ogden, Utah, where thirteen thousano. 
people paid admission the first day of the show, winning first, 
second and third pullet, besides prizes on pen and cockerel. 
A truly great performance, considering the fifteen hundred 
mile ship and the hot competition. Following these great 
shows Mr. Beuoy showed next at the Missouri State Show at 
Kansas City, and then at Independence, Kan., where he made 
a clean sweep of all the first prizes in a large class of birds, 
closing the season at Topeka, Kan., at the National Barred 
Rock Show where his winning cockerel was the center of at- 
traction. Few, if any, breeders of Barred Rocks can show as 
good a record in as many real large shows in as widely sepa- 
rated sections as that established by Mr. Beuoy. His winning 
record of thirty-nine first prizes in the seasons just past is a 
record by itself, to say nothing of the specials and minor places 
that his birds have won. 

The Dingley Dell Farm contains one hundred and sixty 
acres devoted exclusively to raising the best farm chickens on 
earth. Over two miles of chicken tight fence used in making 
the yards for the special mating. Exhibition, quality, small, 
special matings, the rule ; only two hundred females kept to use 
as breeders, and our entire time is devoted to them. The 
Dingley Dell Farm has been called the ten thousand dollar 
chicken ranch ; in reality it represents a much larger invest- 
ment. The Dingley Dell Barred Plymouth Rocks are the Bred- 
to-Lay strain, with the winning habit bred in. 

Cockerels, hens and pullets for sale at all times. Show 
birds, fit to win in any company, a specialty. Good breeding 
females at two dollars each and up, depending on the indi- 
vidual quality. Cockerels are three dollars each and up. We 
cannot afford to sell the pick of the cockerels for less, as 
CAPONS sold in bunches on the open market AVERAGE US 
THREE DOLLARS each. Only the best cockerels are kept for 
breeders. We must have as ra^ch for them as they would brino; 
as Capons. ©C1.A374493 

JUN 18 1914 



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An Ideal Barred Plymouth Rock Pullet — the Kind Found on the Dingley 
Dell Farm, Cedar Vale, Kansas. 

Price of Setting Eggs 



We will have but one grade of eggs to sell for setting pur- 
poses this season — the best ; these will be from our special ex- 
hibition matings, from our bred-to-lay prize winning blood. We 
are going to sell these eggs at five dollars per setting; two 
settings for nine dollars ; 14 eggs to the setting. 

GUARANTEE — We guarantee the eggs to be strictly 
fresh, nice smooth eggs, from special mated prize winning 
stock. Should you fail to hatch as many as nine chicks from 
each setting purchased of us we will replace the setting at one- 
half price. Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. 
Please do not send personal checks, as we have to pay exchange 
on them. Remit by Bank Draft, Postoffice Money Order or 
Express Order. Make them payable to 

GEORGE BEUOY, Cedar Vale, Kan. 

life member of American Poultry Association. 

Member American Plymouth Rock Club. 



VERY SUCCESSFUL; LOST ONLY ONE OUT OF EIGHTY 



Chehalis, Wash., November 4th, 1913. 
Mr. George Beuoy, Cedar Vale, Kansas. 

Dear Sir: — As per your offer in "What's a Capon, and Why?" 
I am enclosing a stamp for reply. Have leen very successful 
with the No. 10 set of tools bought of you, and have 80 capons, 
with more to operate on. Have only lost one, and that from 
crowding at night. Thanking you in advance for the favor, I 
beg to remain, sincerely yours, 

i H. T. CLIPPINGBR, 1555 Market St. 




GEORGE BEUOY 

Pronounced like it was spelled, Bowie, you can remember 
it by just thinking of a BOWIE-knife, leave the knife off and 
you have it. In fact the Bowie-knife was first invented and 
used by Mr. Beuoy's great uncle who met his death side by side 
with Davy Crockett, at "The Almo" with his favorite 
weapon in his hand and a pile of Mexicans in front of him. 

George Beuoy is often referr-td toas the CAPON KING. 
His lectures with the Missouri State Poultry Board under the 
management of T. E. Quisenberry have made him well known 
in that state. During the fall of 1913 and the first few months 
of 1914 Mr. Beuoy has lectured and demonstrated at and 
judged poultry shows, besides many lectures at agriculture col- 
leges and state normal schools. He has also made extended 
lecture trips in many states with special agriculture trains and 
many of the readers will recognize him from the picture above. 
He has lectured to at least 100,000 people within the last six 
months. 

Mr. Beuoy has spent a life time raising chickens, is a 
breeder of note, has exhibited bis Barred Plymouth Rock 
chickens at all of the large shows of the central west for many 
years and has won his full share of honors. Mr. Beuoy owns 
and operates the Dingley Dell Farm an exclusive chicken ranch 
of 160 acres five miles south of Cedar Vale, Kan., R. R. No. 3 : 
and it is here that he has equipped with the very latest and 
best machinery a real FARM FACTORY for making the 
George Beuoy Capon Tool. "FIFTY YEARS IN ADVANCE." 
TESTED, AUTOMATIC. SAFE, GUARANTEED 




MRS. GEORGE BEUOY 

The little lady that has made the Dingley Dell Barred Ply- 
mouth Rock chickers famous. She is the one that really raised 
the chicks; she set the hens and tended to the little ones. With 
the help of father Capon she has produced many state show 
winrers in the last six years. 

Note the hat. The trimming is made of Barred Plymouth 
Rock feathers plucked from state show winning pullets, bred, 
raised and exhibited by Mrs. Beuoy. 

Tf you want to kuow anything about Barred Plymouth 
Rock chickens write her, she has, and is making a success of 
the poultry business. Mrs. Beuoy is an expert caponizer and 
will take pleasure in explaining any doubtful points to the 
ladies. 



SHIPPED CAPONS TO RICHARD BUTLER PRODUCE CO., 

KANSAS CITY 



Cleo, Okla., May, 1913. 
Mr. George Beuoy, Cedar Vale, Kansas. 

Dear Sir: — I enclose P. O. money order for another No. 10 
set of Capon Tools. This set is for a neighbor, and very promi- 
nent poultry people in this section. 

I shipped my capons to the Richard Butler Produce Co., as 
you advised, and got 18 cents per pound, which was a good price, 
as not quite half of them were good capons. It surely made the 
people sit up and take notice. My capons are the latest sensa- 
tion. Have sold several small ones to be used as mothers for 
little chicks. I remain, MRS. W. M. WYMAN, R. R. No. 1. 



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12 Lbs. 



KING CAPON. 



12 Lbs. 



Thoto by Deering- from Live Capon. Note the Small Head, Absence of 

Comb. Heavy Body and Meek Appearance, not Found in the 

Entire Male Bird. 



What's a Capon and Why 

Copyrighted 1912 
Copyrighted 1914 

A capon is an unsexed male bird. They are not hate tied 
that way. To become a capon a young male bird must be oper- 
ated on in much the same manner as any other male animal 
intended for eating purposes. The operation correctly per- 
formed, the capon grows to twice the size he would, had he 
been left entire. His flesh is the juiciest, sweetest and most 




A Rooster. Note the Slim Body, Heavy Comb and "Elecky" Appearance 

not Found in the Capon. 

tender of any known meat, selling for much more per pound 
than any other kind of fowl. In fact, the capon has become a 
modern necessity. Formerly capon was the most expensive 
luxury to be had. Capon in the olden times was the crowning 
event in the feast of the ancient kings and queens. Capons are 
still the greatest delicacy that can be placed before the par- 
ticular epicure. Their rich, wholesome, tender flesh contains 



the life-giving, brain-forming, strength-poducing food that is 
required by the high strung workingman of modern times, be 
his work indoors or out. 

Up to the present time "Capons" have been enjoyed only 
by the wealthy and well-to-do classes, with the possible excep- 
tion, perhaps, of a very few expert poultrymen that had 
mastered the art and learned to perform the operation with 
the old style tools. Modern invention and ingenuity have 
placed the capon within the reach of every one with energy 
and ambition enough to feed and care for a chicken. In order 
to have some capons, all that is necessary is to remove the 
young cockerel's reproducing organs. These organs are not 
exposed on the outside of the body as they are in the larger 
animals, but are carried on the inside. You will find them just 
under the backbone, one on each side, and in line between the 
last two ribs. 

In order to remove these organs it is absolutely necessary 
to use some kind of instrument. The success of the operation 
will depend upon the character of the tools used. 

It is a fact that capons should be found in every section 
where chickens are raised the world over. Yet there are a 




A Scene on the Dingley Dell Farm, Cedar Vale, Kansas. An Open Front 

House, the Best Type for Housing- Any Kind of Chickens, Especially 

"Capons." This House Has Four Rooms, is Fifty Feet Long- and 

Sixteen Feet Deep. Note the Nest Boxes' on Outside, 

Dog- and Hog Proof. 

great many people in America that have never heard of a 
capon. Surely there must be some good reason why poultry 
raisers have not made more capons. By all the laws of com- 
mon sense they should be as popular in the poultry yards as 
steers are in the cattle lots. The demand for capon is just as 
great as it is for steers. Capon command much the higher 
price per pound on the open market, and the supply has never 
as yet been sufficient to meet the requirements. Why. then, 
has not caponizing become more general? Simply "because" 
with the old-style tools there were too many "slips." Very 



few birds are killed, or even hurt, by the operation. Unless 
you attempt to use some sort of sharp-edged clipping testicle 
remover,, which is very dangerous. The real discouraging fea- 
ture heretofore has been due to the large amount of "slips" 
that would develop from each bunch operated on. 

"A slip" is no good. He is the scoundrel that has kept the 
profitable, kind-hearted capon from becoming the most popu- 
lar bird that the world has ever known. The slip himself can- 
not be personally blamed for this. The fact is, he no doubt 
would much prefer to be a capon and in due time enter into 
his proper place in high society. The slip, however, has to be 
content with a place midway between the capon and the old 
rooster. Bringing on the market a few cents per pound more 
than his daddy, the old rooster, and much less than his kind- 
hearted brother, the capon. A slip is caused by an imperfect 
operation, due principally to a wrongly constructed tool. In 
making a capon the parts to be removed are very soft and 
tender, almost like jelly, and attached to the bird with cords and 
membranes. Much the same as in other animals, except that 
the organs are inside the bird's body. The nature of the fowl 
is such that the smallest particle of these organs, cords or 
adhering membranes left in the bird will result in nature trying 
to grow a new organ. With the old-style tools it is almost 
impossible to remove them entire. In fifty to sixty per cent of 
the cases enough is usually left to cause nature to try to re- 
place them, resulting in the discouraging, unprofitable slip. 
Hence the shortage in the world's supply of capons. Of course 
there are some exceptions ; certain sections of the country near 
the large critical markets, where capons command forty to 
fifty cents per pound, have stuck to the problem on account 
of the unusual large profits that were to be made from capons. 
Certain individuals, after much practice and many expensive ex- 
periences, have mastered the art with the old style tools, until 
they were able to get a fairly large per cent of capons. 

These men have made a business of caponizing for the 
community, charging so much per bird operated on for their 
services. Wherever one of these experts is available the capon 
industry has developed to large proportions. 

In summing up the facts it at once becomes apparent that 
capons are very profitable and much to be desired. The real 
reason they are not more generally found in this country is 
the lack of a set of instruments that the ordinary person can 
use successfully without special training. 

Within the last six months of 1911 such tools have been 
perfected and patented. Person allv I have tried out these tools 
and know that they are all that is claimed for them. These 
tools were originally invented and patents obtained or applied 
for by George Beuoy. These tools work practically auto- 
matically and very little skill is required to make 
a capon with them. Rightly used a slip is impossible. Once 



tried you will never be without capons — they are the greatest 
eating to be had. That is what we have always thought, but 
after we had the pleasure of reading the following letter we 
knew it to be a fact. Surely no higher authority than the 
president of the American Poultry Association need be cited 
on this point : 



Topeka, Kan., Dec. 24, 1909. 
Dear Mr. Beuoy, Cedar Vale, Kan. 

Dear Mr. Beuoy: — I cannot begin to express the thanks or 
myself sncl family for the magnificent capon ycu sent us. He ar- 
rived in the afternoon, and when I get home I found my little 
boys had him out playing with him and they thought that he 
was about big enough to make a horse. I have to leave this after- 
noon, and I just could not bear the thought of leaving without 
tasting some of that juicy bird. So last night I killed and dressed 
him and today we had him good and brown. Now I am not flat- 
tering you when I say that I have eaten pheasant, ducks geese 
and chickens cooked by some of the most expert chefs in Amer- 
ica, but I never ate anything equal to that capon. I really dread 
to leave home this afternoon, for two reasons: First, I fear the 
entire family have eaten so much capon that they will likely get 
down. Second, I would like to be here for another fine lunch off 
of that capon served cold. There were twelve of us ate a magnifi- 
cent meal today. Now, this is counting in my family and visitors 
that we invited in to partake of the feast, and still there was 
some to spare. We did not quite get twelve baskets full of frag- 
ments, but they have plenty left for supper and I am going away 
in a short time and will miss finishing the treat. You know how 
the women appreciate something nice for the table; well, my wife 
was certainly happy to get that fine c?pon, and she joins me in 
expressing our thanks. Mr. Beuoy, I do not know how I can ever 
pay you for your kindness in this matter, and I hope when I see 
you at Wichita (at the State Poultry Show) I will be able to 
make good with you in some way to show you that I appreciate 
your kindness far more than this letter begins to express. 

Wishing you a merry Xmas and a happy New Year. I am. 
Cordially yours, 

REE&E V. HICKS. 



The above letter to Mr. Beuoy was written by Mr. Hicks, 
at that time president of The American Poultry Associa- 
tion and editor-in-chief of Poultry Culture. President Hicks 
voices the sentiments of every one that have tried capons. They 
are undoubtedly the best eating to be had. Under present con- 
ditions they are not an expensive luxury, but within the reach 
of everyone. 



MADE 500 CAPONS, HAD FINE LUCK 



Mulvane, Kans., Sept. 9th, 1913. 
Mr. George Beuoy, Cedar Vale, Kans. 

Dear Sir: — We received the No. 10 capon set O. K. and 
were pleased with it. We have operated on about five hundred 
(500) and had fine luck. The birds are doing fine. 

Yours truly, 

E. D. FISHER. 



CHAPTER II. 

CAPONS AS FOSTER MOTHERS 

Did you ever see a capon with a brood of little chicks ? No ! 
Well, you have certainly missed something worth an effort to 
see, even though you never expect to raise a chicken as long as 
you live. It certainly is an interesting sight to see a capon per. 
forming the mother's duties. When it comes to taking real 
good, attentive, loving care of a brood of newly-hatched chicks 
the capon has the ' ' old hen ' ' beaten at every turn. In the first 
place, his plumage is much more abundant, the feathers are 
longer and softer and his spread of wing is much greater than 
Madam Hen ; in fact, his accommodations are much more ample 
in every respect. The capon has a commanding cluck, cluck, 
that the little chicks seem to understand perfectly, and when 




The Proof — A Capon and Chicks 

Real photograph, without retouching in any way. Capons are the 
best means of raising little chicks that we have ever tried. On our large 
experiment farm we have raised from five to six hundred chicks each 
year for the last five years. These were hatched in incubators and given 
to capons to raise. They were taken right from the machine and given 
to the capons. The capons have raised to maturity over 85 per cent 
of all the chicks given to them, a feat that would hardly be possible 
with any style of brooder. A capon will cluck and hover the little 
chicks exactly the same as a hen. It requires very little training to have 
them do this. 

the occasion demands he has the capacity to raise his voice so 
that the youngsters that have strayed some distance away may 
hear him and regain the brood in time to avoid danger. Best of 
all, the hawk does not fly that can take a chick from a good 



Barred Plymouth Rock capon. On various occasions I have 
seen a capon with a brood of chicks take a running shot at 
a hawk, the big yellow kind, that was in the act of seizing a 
chick and knock the hawk as much as ten feet rolling on the 
ground. As the hawk regained his wings he lost no time in 
getting away, and no further trouble was experienced from 
that particular bird. Of course, it is understood that a capon 
does not set and hatch the eggs. But he will and does cluck 
and hover a motherless brood of chicks willingly and much bet- 
ter than the best of hens. All hens are not alike, some are 
better than others with chicks; capons are the same in that 
respect, some are better than others. 

Rightly handled, we have never seen a capon that would 
refuse to mother a brood of newly-hatched chicks. In connec- 
tion with the incubator, they have proved to be the best method 
of brooding the little chicks that we have ever tried. Always 
ready to take the little fluffy balls of down and care for them 



CAPONS KEPT THE LITTLE TURKEYS DRY AND SAFE 



Bristol Vermont, R. R. No. 3, Nov. 18th, 1913. 
Mr. Geo. Beuoy, Cedar Vale, Kans. 

Dear Sir: — I bought of you last year a No. 10 set of capon 
tools and my husband and I operated on some chickens and 
have some nice capons as result. 

We hatched our TURKEY EGGS under hens and gave the 
poults to capons to raise. They took fine care of them. We 
did not have to worry at all when there was a hard rain. The 
capons kept our turkeys dry and safe. 

We used the capons to mother our young chicks and rented 
out some capons for the same purpose. 

Yours respectfully, 

MRS. MAHLON PURINTON. 



until they are matured birds, if not weaned from them sooner. 
Where it is advisable to change the father capon from a bunch 
of larger to smaller chicks, it is of course necessary to wean 
him from the larger ones. To accomplish this it is best to shut 
the capon up in rather a dark place, for three or four days, 
entirely away from the old brood. The younger chicks may 
then be placed under him some night and left the following 
da} 7 with him, after which he will usually take up with them 
and no further trouble be experienced. It is no trouble to start 
a capon with little chicks in the first place. They just naturally 
take to young chicks the same as a duck takes to water. It is 
important that the capon be quite gentle or he will be more 
difficult to handle. For best results have a small yard with a 
coop in it. Place the capon in this yard a few days before you 
intend to give him the chicks. It will give him time to get 
located and at home in his new quarters. If the capon has 
never raised chicks before it is best that the chicks be about 



one week old to slait him with. As the brood coop has no 
perches in it, the capon will go to roost squatting on the floor. 
Just about dark take the little chicks out and place them under 
his wings, one or two at a time, until they are all under. The 
capon will not object to this, but will rather like it. Should he 
for any reason seem to be restless, tickle him under the chin 
and talk to him a little in a soothing voice, and all will soon be 
well. You will have to be up good and early the next morning 
to see how things progress. 

Usually the next morning the capon will be talking, scold- 
ing and hovering the little fellows the same as the hen. Some- 
times one will seem to be in doubt, will hold up one foot in his 
feathers, standing on one leg, and not say much. Where they 
perform in this manner take the chicks entirely away from 
them and try it again the second night, in the meantime keep- 
ing the capon confined to the coop and as dark as possible. By 
the second morning the most obstinate of them will be clucking 
and ready to fight for the brood. After they have once learned 
how to do it right, young newly hatched chicks may be given 
to them with perfect safety. In warm weather one capon will 
care for thirty chicks, but we have found it much better to have 
only twenty chicks to the capon. At the big Topeka Poultry 
Show in January, 1911, George Beuoy, of the Dingley Dell 
Farm, Cedar Vale, Kan., had on exhibition two capons, with 
twenty newly-hatched chicks to each capon. The chicks were 
about one week old, were hatched in an incubator, and shipped 
from Cedar Vale to Topeka the two coldest days of that year, 
the thermometer registering 12 degrees below zero. The chicks, 
going astray, w^ere on the road two nights and one day, with- 
out feed or water. The little chicks were right in a box 14x36 
inches, with the capons, and came through without the loss of a 
single chick. Truly a remarkable performance. Something 
that would have been impossible with the best of mother hens, 
but only a fair example of what may be expected of a capon 
with little chicks. Hundreds of people saw these birds, as they 
were the center of attraction at that great show. Mr. Beuoy is a 
breeder of Barred Plymouth Rocks with a national reputation, 
birds bred and raised by him having won more prizes at the 
really large and up-to-date shows than any other breeder of 
that variety in the Central West. Many of his prize winners 
were raised by capons, that beiri% the onlv system on his large 
poultry fa'rm, having discarded the brooders entirely in favor 
of the capons. In communities where capons are well known 
they are used almost exclusively for raising little chicks. Tt 
makes no difference if the chicks are hatched under hens in- 
stead of incubators, it pays to take them from the hen and let 
the capon care f of them ; put the hen back on the laying job 
and let her fill the egg basket while daddv canon scratches for 
the young chicks. It seems hard for some to believe that capons 
will actually do all this, and this point is well illustrated in the 
following true incident: 



CAPONS AS FOSTER MOTHERS 

Harper, Kan., May 21, 1912. 
George Beuoy, Cedar Vale, Kan.: Please send me a copy of 
"What's a Capon and Why?" I have had a few Capons and wish 
to raise more of them. I think they are fine for brooders. I have 
one that runs with 112 little chicks in the daytime, but he only 
cares for twenty at night. The rest are kept in the brooder. 
Please send the book at once. Yours truly, 

Box 141. MRS. FRANK PALMER. 



A certain bank cashier in onr town became very much 
interested in capons as a pastime. He secured a few cockerels 
and operated on them, taking a great deal of interest in the 
work as a diversion from his more strenuous occupation, and 
incidentally, enjoying a fine capon feast with friends now and 
then. On one such occasion early last spring, soon after he had 
started his first capon with little chicks, his little grandson, 
just learning to talk real plain, was amongst the favored ones. 
The cashier, bubbling over with enthusiasm and delight with 
his success as producer and trainer of expert mother nurses, 
called the guests out to see for themselves. The sight was new 
and impressive, as the banker scattered bits of corn bread be- 
fore the capon and his brood of baby chicks. Everybody was 
very quiet, contemplating the scene. About the only sound to be 
heard was the encouraging cluck, cluck, of the old bird as he 
insisted that the little fellows partake of the feast as he broke 
apart the most choice morsels for them. All at once, in a very 
solemn voice, the grandson inquired: "Say, Grandpa, is that a 
daddy hen?" 



RECOMMENDS GEORGE BEUOY INSTRUMENTS VERY 

HIGHLY 



Mangum, Okla., November 14th, 1913. 

Mr. George Beuoy, Cedar Vale, Kansas. 

Dear Sir: — Will write you in regard to capons. I have 
around one hundred. I have good success with the tools I bought 
of you. I began on live birds and only lost six all summer's 
work, and I think I am just about right with making capons, and 
1 don't think I have had half-dozen slips out of my bunch of 
capons. Out of twenty birds worked last year with a Pilling 
outfit I only got two capons. Thompson's folks, on Route No. 3. 
used my tools all spring, and when they saw how good they were 
they ordered a set of you. I have recommended them highly, 
and think there will be more used around Mangum soon. We 
live a mile and a half from Mangum, and so many come out to 
see "That Rooster," as they call it, caring for little chicks (a 
capon.) Please give me the address of the firm you ship your 
capons to. Yours respectfully, 

MRS. JOHN SCHRYVER, R. R. No. 4. 



8 



CHAPTER HI 
THE REASON OF HIGH PRICES FOR CAPONS 




IF A CHILD CAN DO IT, SO CAN YOU 

LITTLE HELEN BEUOY, CEDAR VALE, KANSAS, MAKING A CAPON 
At the time this picture was taken Helen was only ten years old. This 
little girl makes spending money hy working birds for the neigh- 
bors. She gets ten cents for each capon she makes. It is easy 
for her to operate on fifty in one afternoon. 

Capons bring high prices • there will always be a demand 
for them far in excess of the supply. Some makers of capon 

9 



instruments have enlarged on the prices obtainable for capons 
and overstated the facts. No doubt but that 40 to 50 cents per 
pound can be obtained in certain aristocratic sections for 
dressed capon in fancy style. However, that is not what inter- 
ests the average producer. It is the price readily obtainable 
on the open market that should govern them. Careful observa- 
tions covering the last five years and based on Central Western 
conditions show that the average price in season for capons to 
be right around 20 cents per pound. In some instances as low 
as 15 cents per pound, live weight. Farther East, where capons 
are better known, the price was much better. 

It is not a question of how much you can get for the capon ; 
the point, is you cannot afford to be without capons, even 
though you never intend to sell one. One capon will more than 
pay for a set of tools that will last forever. As a source of 
food supply they cannot be ignored. With a good set of instru- 




Fourteen-Pound Barred Rock Capon, Sweepstakes Winner at Kansas City, Wichita and 

Independence, 1913-14 

ments in your possession you at once have unlimited access to 
the greatest table delicacy obtainable in ancieut or modern 
times, a so-called luxury that was out of the reach of the poor 
man and not always obtainable by the rich. Modern down-to- 
date invention, together with a little "gumption" on the part 
of the consumer, has placed this dish within the reach of all. 
As a source of profit no other part of the poultry business of- 
fers so great a return as capons. It is safe to figure that they 
will always bring twice as much per pound as hens. They will 
average about twice as heavy, just as the finished steer will 
outweight and outsell the cow. 

As a means of recreation "caponizing" presents a subject 
full of interest and running over with possibilities. Bankers, 
teachers, clerks, and business men in all lines of work get great 

10 . 



enjoyment from a few capons. The operation is very interest- 
ing, requiring a certain amount of skill. But it is soon learned 
and easily performed. After the operation comes the pleasure 
of watching the capons grow and develop. Later there is the 
pleasure of. feasting on their sweet, juicy flesh. In addition 
there is the satisfying knowledge that the bird is pure and 
wholesome, and in the proper condition. 

Children especially take great interest in the operation 
and in watching the birds develop. Boys or girls of over 10 
years being very quick to get the hang of the operation and 
soon become expert at it. Note the picture of Helen Beuoy. 
Helen learned the operation herself, practicing first on a dead 
bird, one that had just been killed to eat. The season just 
passed Helen worked on many birds, and quit the season with- 
out the loss of a single one. The picture is from an actual photo 
without retouching in any way. Taken by Ocie Sartin while 
Helen was operating on a live bird. At the time the picture was 
taken Helen was only 10 years old. You will note that she is 



Twelve-Pound White Rock Capon 

using the Geo. Beuoy No. 10 set of instruments ; these are the 
kind of tools that make real capons. 

There are several good reasons why capons bring such high 
prices, the principal one being that capons hit the market at a 
time when all other poultry is very scarce and hard to get at 
any price. A capon gets his growth usually during February 
or March and is ready for the market at that time. This is too 
early in the season for young chicks or broilers and those who 
have wintered a bunch of hens do not care to sell at this time 
on account that the hens are laying their best and eggs are at 
the top price at this season. There are no grass cattle on the 
market, which means that beef, pork and all kinds of meat, in 
fact, is not only very scarce and high but in many instances 
cannot be had at all. The capon is at his best at this time and 
comes in at exactly the proper time to fill a long felt want and 
to supply the market with the best possible quality of meat. 

At least half the chickens hatched each year are male 

11 



birds, early hatched birds are of course the most profitable, 
as this is a well known fact the result is that the bulk of the 
chicken crop is hatched during March, April and May. This 
means that the young males or at least half of all the chickens 
raised will be ready for market at or about the same time. 

Under old methods this half of the poultry crop of this 
country would reach the market as frying chickens or broilers 
and all in a bunch, or nearly so. Under the best conditions 
they would all come onto the market within ninety days and 
during the hottest time of the season. This means that the 
market would become glutted and no demand. The price would 
have to sink to its lowest ebb and the birds sold for less than 
it cost to raise them. 

Modern conditions demand modern methods, and it is only 
by caponizing the young males that this valuable source of 
wholesome food can be conserved and distributed over the 
entire year instead of being rushed to the market in a bunch. 

Five or six years ago we began to caponize all of our sur- 
plus male birds and since then the capons have been the most 
profitable part of our poultry business. As a matter of fact 
up to that time we had lost money on the male half of our 
flock, now they make us more profit than the hens or pullets. 
We sell them right on the market and what we have done and 
are still doing, any farmer or poutry raiser can do equally as 
well. 

It will be but a very short time until capons will be found 
on every farm in the country, the signs of the times point that 
way and the issue cannot be dodged. Capons are bound to 
come. Conditions demand that the male birds be caponized in 
order to protect the egg crop, if for no other reason. We are 
told and most of us know it to be a fact that unfertilized eggs 
can be kept in a perfectly fresh condition for many months. 
It is also an established fact that unfertilized eggs will sell for 
double the price of eggs that are fertilized. The problem with 
the farmer who produces the bulk of the egg crop has been 
to find a practical way of disposing of the males. Forced on 



CAPONS MADE WITH "GEO. EEUOY TOOLS"' MAKE GOOD 



Guy E. McGlaskey, White Wyandotte Breeder. 

Girard, Kan., May 30th, 1913. 
Mr. George Beuoy, Cedar Vale, Kansas. 

Dear Sir: — Your letter of instructions and No. 10 set of tools 
with illustrated instructions received. I tried the tools this 
morning on six White Wyandottes. I only had the six that were 
the right size, so I began on a live bird, and operated on them 
all without killing one. They commenced to eat as soon as I 
let them down. Yours truly, 

GUY E. McGLASKEY. 
P. S. — I am crippled with rheumatism and haven't walked 
for six years. Have to sit in a wheeled chair, but I laid a board 
across the arms of mv chair and used that for an operating table 
instead of a barrel. — G. E. Mc. 

12 



the market during the hot months they were sure to produce 
a loss. Under the old method, it was almost impossible for 
the average farmer to make capons with any degree of suc- 
cess. Necessity, as usual, is the mother of invention and these 
new conditions demanded a modern way of making capons, one 
that would be safe, sure and effective. These conditions have 
all been met in the Geo. Beuoy Capon Tools invented and 
patented by George Beuoy a farmer of Cedar Vale, Kan., some 
two years ago. I have been using a set of these tools ever 
since they were frist invented, caponizing several hundreds 
hird> each year with the very best success. I have a little boy 
only seven years old that can do the work just as well and 
almost as fast as myself. There is scarcely any danger from 
the operation if the proper intruments are used. Best results 
can be secured if the birds are worked on when quite small. 
In the American breeds when they are about like quails in 
size and appearance is the best time. In the small breeds like 
Leghorns, they will have to be worked even smaller than that 
on account of the fact that birds of small breeds develop much 
faster sexually than the larger breeds. The idea is to get 
them just before the comb and wattles begin to grow or redden 
up. 

It is much easier and faster to do this work on poultry 
than it is to perform a similar operation on any other kind of 



THE CAPONS MADE MONEY 



Girard, March 4th, 1914. 
Mr. George Beuoy, Cedar Vale, Kans. 

Dear Mr. Beuoy: — Well I have sold the capons and we 
are well pleased with the results. See detailed statement be- 
low. The poultry dealer at this place shipped them to Chicago 
for us. We had him dress them for us and as they did not 
have to draw them they did not shrink very much. The peo- 
ple around here could hardly believe that capons bring such 
high prices and they think it is a joke that they will care 
for little chicks. I am keeping three of mine to raise little 
chicks and will surprise them again. 

Statement — Capons shipped Feb. 19, 1914. 

Eleven White Wyandottes and 12 B. Ply. Rocks, twenty- 
three in all. 

Weight alive 202 lbs. 

Eleven W. Wyandottes weighed dressed, 75 lbs. 

Twelve Barred Ply. Rocks weighed dressed, 115 lbs. 

Shrinkage in dressing 23 capons only 12 lbs. 

Shrinkage in shipping same only one pound. 

Price per pound, 25 cents. 

Cost of picking and packing $1.25. 

Express to Chicago $3.90. 

Commission of 5 per cent, $2.50. 

Total Expense, $7.65. 

Total price, $47.25. 

Net price $39.60, almost a net price of 21 cents per pound 
for them. 

Yours truly, 

GUY E. McGLASKEY. 

13 



stock or animal. The danger to the fowl is not so great and 
the bird will recover from the operation much quicker than a 
pig or calf. With a little practice any one can soon learn to 
make thirty or forty capons in an hour. As a starter it is best 
to practice on a dead bird. Commence on one that you have 
just killed to eat ; work on one or two in that way and you will 
become accustomed to the instruments and will get the parts to 
be removed fixed in your mind. You will then be anxious to 
try on a live bird and can proceed with confidence and suc- 
cess. It pays to take plenty of time on the start and go slow 
on the first few. In case one should be killed it would just 
bleed to death and would die much quicker than if its head 
were cut off in the usual way and of course would be just as 
good to eat. 

Capons are profit makers and they bring in the cash at a 
time of the year when we need it most. Usually February and 
March are dull months on the farm. Have a flock of capons 
and cash in at this time. It helps. 

I remember my first bunch of capons and the nice profit 
they made me. It was some five or six years ago. Along in 
July we found that we had a few over a hundred young 
cockerels that we must dispose of. Inquiries as to maket price 
developed the fact that we could not get over twenty cents a 
piece for them or a total of twenty dollars for the hundred 
birds. I had not at that time had any experience with capons. 
In fact had never seen the operation but I secured a set of the 
best instruments I could find and started in on them. At first 
it was a bit awkward but a little practice and I was all right. 
We fatted out that bunch of capons, sold them on the market 
in the latter part of February, shipping them to Kansas City 
and selling live weight on the market. As I remember it we 
received twenty-one cents per pound for them and they 
weighed a trifle over ten pounds each on the average, which 
made the hundred capons bring something over two hundred 
dollars. A gross profit of one hundred and eighty dollars 
more than they would have brought, sold as cockerels. A net 
profit of at least one dollar each. 

Usually capons will bring about double the price of hens 
per pound. It costs about the same to raise a capon as a hen. 
The capon will weigh at least twice as much and as he sells 
higher per pound a good capon will bring about the same 
amount of money as four hens of the same breed. 

Aside from the capon's value as a strictlv money making 
farm issue, he has other qualities that should commend him to 
your attention. Capons make fine mothers for little newly 
hatched chicks. In connection with an incubator thev are the 
best means of raising little chicks that we have ever tried. You 
understand of course that "capons do not lav eggs," and it is 
no use to write me for "capon eergs. " Neither will they set. 
But they do love to look after a bunch of little chicks. Thev 
will hover them and cluck to them exactly like a mother hen. 

14 



and in most cases are better with the little fellows than the 
best of hens. It is no trouble to teach them to do this, they 
just naturally take to little chicks like a small boy to a mud 
hole. A few years ago capons were scarcely known in this sec- 
tion, now they are becoming quite common. Following my suc- 
cess with capons on the market I was requested to give a lec- 
ture and demonstration at our Agricultural College at Manhat- 
tan in connection with the annual field meeting of the Kansas 
State Poultry Federation. This feature was so much of a suc- 
cess and so much interest and enthusiasm was shown that I was 
engaged by the Missouri State Poultry Board last summer to 
attend a series of field meetings in that state and lecture and 
demonstrate the art of caponizing. I was in Missouri some 
two weeks and gave lectures at nine towns in the principal 
poultry sections, including one day at their Poultry Experi- 
ment Farm at Mountain Grove. The trip was under the man- 
agement and guidance of T. E. Quinsenberry, director of the 
Missouri Stat^ Poultry Board, and everywhere we met with the 
greatest interest by crowds which varied from two to five 
thousand people. I have also within the last few months given 
lectures and demonstrations in many Kansas towns and a few 
in Oklahoma, in many instances at the expense and request of 
the Farmers Institutes and I can say to you that the farmer who 
does not caponize his male birds the coming season is entirely 
behind the times and will lose a nice profit to which he is fully 
entitled and should have. That the farmers in Missouri are 
awake to the possibilities of capons, is proven I think, by the 
fact that they have insisted that demonstrations and lectures 
on capons be included at all field meetings in that state this 
season. 



Make a few capons this season, even if you don't 
intend to sell one, make a few for your own use, it will 
pay big just for that alone. 



I do a lot of lecture and demonstration work on this sub- 
ject, not because I want to, but because I cannot get out of 
it and do my duty to the industry. Honestly, I don't believe 
it helps the beginner to have some one show him or her how 
to do it. I believe you can learn better and quicker by com- 
mencing on a dead bird as stated above and learning by your- 
self. Too much advice is bad dope — just get out by yourself 
without anyone to bother and you will be surprised how easy 
and simple it really is. 



- 




15 



Capons — Chickens — Eggs 

We want them: CAPONS, CHICKENS and EGGS; 
ship them to us and we guarantee you the highest mar- 
ket price. Ship to us, we make it our business to give 
you quick service, prompt remittance and correct weights 
and count. 

We are the largest buyers of Capons in the EN- 
TIRE WEST. We want them fat and well finished, to 
bring top prices they must weigh over seven pounds; 
should weigh eight, in fact, the bigger they are the bet- 
February 16, 1914. 

Sawyer, Kans., Apr. 4, 1914. 
Mr. George Beuoy, Cedar Vale, Kans. 

Dear Sir: — I bought my first set of capon tools of George 
Beuoy, Cedar Vale, Kan., in April 1912. They were a No. 10 
set of instruments and I like them fine. The first year I had 
about 50 capons which I sold to Richard Butler Produce Co., 
Kansas City, Mo., in February, 1913. They averaged 6 1-4 lbs. 
dressed and I received 20 cents per lb. for them ($1.25 each.) 
In the summer of 1913 I operated on about 150 birds and sold 
90 of them Feb. 26th, 1914 to Richard Butler Produce Co. The 
capons averaged 7 lbs. and I received 18 cents per lb., live 
weight. 

My capons made a profit for me. but do not know the es- 
timate as we just let them run with the rest of the chickens 
until about 3 weeks before shipping. 

I think that to dispose of the cockerels as capons is the 
most profitable way as I can seldoir get over 30 or 35 cents 
tor a young ^ooster even when grown 

I remain yours truly, 

HAL H. DARNALL, 



ter. Capons bring from 15 cents to 25 cents per pound 
depending on their quality and market conditions. The 
season of 1914 we have paid 18 cents per pound, live 
weight, for good smooth Capons, weighing over seven 
pounds each. For some small poor Capons, we have paid 
as low as 15 cents per pound. "Slips" not wanted, but 
will handle at reduced prices. 

Ship by express, drop us a card stating what and 
when shipped and we will do the rest. All you have to 
do is to leave them at the express office marked to 



Richard Butler Produce Co. 

Kansas City, Missouri 



16 



CHAPTER IV. 
PREPARING TO CAPONIZE 

r i lie first thing necessary, of course, is a bird of the rigid 
degree of development and in the proper condition. The right 
stage of development is as important as the condition, either of 
these two points not right will cause a large per cent of fail- 
ures. Many people ask how old should the birds be, or how 
much should they weigh, when they are right to caponize. How 
old they should be or how large they are is "wide of the 
mark"; what they really should know is the proper state oi 
development. This stage of the bird's. growth is hard to ex- 
plain so that all will understand alike. Different breeds and 
thi t'erent flocks of the same breed vary as to the time and man 
ner of their development. No set rules can be given that would 
le just right in every instance. The proper time to caponize 
is ''just before the bird reaches sexual maturity." Generally 
speaking, when the birds reach one pound and a half to twc 
pounds in weight. Leghorns and all small breeds should be 
worked on smaller even than that, as they develop the genera- 
tive organs much sooner than the larger breeds. All fowls di 
early spring hatches develop sexually much sooner than those 
of summer or fall hatches. For that reason the early hatched 
ones cannot be let run so long as the later hatched birds. "It 
always sounds bad" to try to explain the proper time to capon- 
ize on paper, yet a very little practice will show you when they 
are just right. Once you get the right idea, it will be easy tc 
tell the ones that are "just right," by the look of the fowl. The 
main thing is to start, "get at it," the rest will come to you ali 
right. A little practice and you are an expert. You will find 
the ones that are just right, in a variety of different sizes anc 
ages. The essential recruirement is to have the testicle and it* 
attachments in just the right state of development. 

These organs should be just about the size of a commor 
navy bean; in no case larger. Slightly smaller, preferred 
After you are in practice, the work may be done where the 
testicles are no larger than plump grains of wheat. Thej 
should be about the same shape and color as a nice brighl 
plump grain of soft winter wheat. The expert will get the 
best possible results where the organs are in this stage of de 
velopment. The organs should be a little larger for the be- 
ginner as they can be seen to better advantage. With old 
fashioned clumsy tools, it was of course, impossible to do the 
work, where the organs were so small. There was not room 
enough inside the bird to use the old tools. With the modern 
automatic tools, it is possible and much better to operate on 

17 



small birds. The picture shows a Barred Rock Cockerel, in 
just the right stage of development. 

By not having the birds "just right," has caused many 
failures. I should say that there was about three weeks in the 
life of each male bird when he is just right to caponize. Before 
that period, he is too small and afterwards, he is too much de- 
veloped. Of course, it is understood that the operation can be, 
and is performed on birds of all sizes and ages with success, 
in so far as the operation is concerned. A fowl that is fully 
developed, sexually, at the time he is caponized, never becomes 




The Photo Shows Mrs. George Beuoy and One of Hex Barrec Rock Cock- 
erels "Just Right to Caponize." 

a capon. He is simply a stag, the same as where a bull or boar 
is operated on. He will only sell as "a stag," with the excep- 
tion that a bird of this kind is called ' ' a slip. ' ' In reality, a 
stag or proud male. After a cockerel begins to crow and his 
head and comb reddens up he is too far advanced to ever make, 

18 



-a capon. They must be worked on before they get that far 
along, if good results are to be expected. 

Next to having the birds in the right stage of development, 
comes the condition. It is possible for the expert to operate on 
them in most any kind of condition. Yet it is very poor judg- 
ment for him to attempt it unless they are right. The birds 
should be growing and in thriving state of health. As the 
organs to be removed are inside the bird, it will be easy to 
understand that if the bird is full of feed, his inside fixings 
will be puffed up and expanded. Taking up all the room and 
shutting out the light so that the organ to be removed cannot 
be found or removed for lack of room. For this reason, "it is 
very important" that the birds to be caponized be confined to 
a small yard or coop and not allowed anything to eat for at 
least thirty-six hours, just before the operation is to be per- 
formed. It takes nature about that long to exhaust the food 
supply that the bird usually has on hand. 

Be sure they do not have anything to eat or drink. For the 
beginner a good light is necessary, right out in the sun will be 
best. You can then see the inner works of the birds to perfec- 
tion. The testicles occupy about the same position in a bird 
that the kidneys do in a hog or rabbit. No danger of getting 
the w T roug organs, as the testicles are the only yellow colored 
objects you will see in the bird. If the bird is in good heatlh 
the testicles will be yellow and shaped like a grain of wheat, or 
slightly longer, the other parts of the bird are red or nearly so. 
The testicles are always yellow or whitish yellow except in a 
diseased bird when they sometimes become black or partlv so. 



Shipped Capons to Richard Butler 
Produce Company 

Topeka, Kansas, Feb. 16, 1914. 
Richard Butler Pro. Co., Kansas City, Mo. 

Gentlemen: — We gratefully acknowledge receipt of yours, 
encasing check, which has been passed to your credit with 
thanks and this action only confirms our confidence in you 
and we shall hope to do some more business with you before 
the close of this week. 

Kindly advise us what you will give us for capons Thurs- 
day or Friday, as we have a few lots in sight that we hope 
will come in in the near future. 

If your market should get strong on eggs call us up. 
Should we in the meantime sell ours we will drop you a line 
to that effect. Yours truly, 

COPE'S SALES SYSTEM. 



19 



CHAPTER V. 
THE PROPER TOOLS 

After you have the birds just right, comes the tools. Suc- 
cess will depend on their construction and working principles 
as much as on the bird and its condition. With the proper 
tools and the birds right, anyone can make a capon. Tools 
that work with a hair fine wire or that are constructed on the 
split-scoop principle and the ones that have clipping attach- 
ments are no good. A large per cent of loss by death and slips 
may be expected where they are used. The reason for this loss 
is clear, when it is understood that tools of the above character 
must come in actual contact with the testicle itself before the 
tool can be manipulated in an effective manner. This being the 
case, it of course follows, that the testicle attachments must be 
severed right up against that organ. In many instances a small 
part of the testicle is left in the bird, resulting in '"a slip' 
every time. Where that style of tools are used the cord mem- 
branes and attachments are all left in the bird. And these are 
very apt to produce ' ' a slip. ' ' 

A real successful testicle remover must be so constructed 
that it will open up wide enough to pass entirely over the 
testicle and grasp the cords and membranes that hold it in 
place. The tool must then retain that grasp without letting 
the slightest particle escape. As the testicle lies very close to 
the spermatic artery and sometimes attached to it, any onj 
will understand, ' ,r ihat any clipping contrivance with a sharp 
cutting edge" is apt to sever this artery, resulting in the deatii 
of the bird. The successful remover must be beveled outward 
like a dove's tail and fit at the connecting* edges like a split 
hair. A patented feature found only in the Geo. Beuoy in- 
struments. This will permit the grasping members being 
worked down between the spermatic artery and testicle with- 
out danger of injuring either. 

The instrument then has a grasp on the connecting cords 
and membranes with the testicle inside its loops. So the cords 
and attachment may be gradually stretched out away from the 
artery and the bird's back, and cut off with a thin, sharp, nar- 
row-bladed knife. Handled in this way there is no danger of 
killing the bird. It does not seem to hurt them in the least at 
this time, and as the tool is turned over several times before 
cutting, the cords are twisted together like a string, thus stop- 
ping the blood and the bird will not bleed at all, if properly 
done. 

The cords, membranes and attachments are all taken out 

20 



as well as the testicles, so there cannot be any slips develop, 
because the operation is a clean one. 

These desirable features are found in but two removers, 
one of which is calkd the Geo. Beuoy latest Remover, the 
other is known as Geo. Beuoy New Model Testicle Remover. 

Next in importance to the testicle remover, comes the 
spreader, used for holding the ribs apart, while the operation is 
performed. Almost any kind of spreader can be used with fair 
success. The most common kind in use heretofore is the ordi- 
nary-scoil spring spreader. It is made of spring wire and sells 
for twenty-five to fifty cents, or can be made from an old piece 
of bed-spring. The trouble with this kind of spreader is, that 
no two birds will present the same amount of resistance, the 
spring may be strong enough to break the ribs of one bird and 
not strong enough to open the next one. There is no way to 
regulate it. It is hard to insert into the bird and will not stay 
in place without some one to hold it. At the same time, it can 
be used successfully, and has been for many years. Principally 
on account of its cheapness and the lack of anything better. 
The Geo. Beuoy "Humane Spreader," which Mr. Beuoy of 
Cedar Vale, Kansas, patented, is far and away ahead of any- 
thing else we have ever seen in the way of a spreader. 

The "Humane Spreader" is constructed to fit the bird's 
body. It is used from the same side that the operator works on. 
The coil spring hinge fits up in the bird's thigh, the handles 
resting on the operating table, thus holding it firmly in posi- 
tion. The spreader closes automatically, making it easy to 
insert between the ribs. To spread the cut, press the handles 
together with the thumb and fore-finger, the slide drops back 
by gravity as the two handles come together, holding the tool 
spread at any desired width, only pressure enough is used to 
open the ribs just right, no unnecessary pain is caused the 
bird. A coil spring spreader keeps rro a steady pressure on 
the bird all the time, resulting in much pain. 

We like this spreader much the b°st of any we have ever 



GOOD WORK APPRECIATED 



Missouri State Poultry Experiment Station. T. E. Quisenberry, 

Director. 
Mountain Grove, Mo., Sept. 27th, 1913. 
Mr. George Beuoy, Cedar Vale, Kansas. 

Dear Mr. Beuoy: — I have sent your check to. Mr. Morton, the 
president, to be signed, and will send it to you as soon as it is 
returned, in just a day or two. 

We certainly appreciated the good work which you did for 
us on our field meetings. We are receiving compliments from 
every town we visited. I want you to book us right now for at 
least two weeks' work next season. I may also want to use you 
at a few places this winter if you can spare the time to get away. 
Let us hear from you occasionally. 

With best wishes, I remain, your friend, 

T. E. QUISENBERRY, Director. 

21 



used. It is very convenient, affords plenty of room to work, 
and lias no complicated parts to get out of order. We have 
tried other spreaders, and most of them work all right, but 
we believe the Geo. Beuoy "Humane Spreader" presents 
many advantages not found in any other spreader. The spreader 
is the tool that gives you the view of the work to be performed ; 
it is desirable that a good one be used; none of them are ex- 
pensive ; we suggest that you use the best. 

Aside from the testicle remover and spreader, the rest of 
the equipment is not so important. It will be necessary to have 
some kind of a knife. It should have a small blade that will 
hold a thin sharp edge. You will have to have a tearing hook, 
and probe, we like them combined, probe on one end and hook 
on the other. The hook is for tearing the thin membrane, or 
tissue that covers the intestines, and obstructs the view when 
the bird is first opened up with the spreaders. The tissue is 
too thin to be cut and must be torn, it is about like wet tissue 
paper. The probe is not used much, but once in awhile it will 
come in handy to press the intenstines back with, in case they 
are a little too full and obstruct the view. 

Some sort of operating table and means of fastening the 
birds will also be required. An empty barrel turned bottom 
side up, makes a good table and is the right height. A brick 
broken in two and each half tied to a cord about three feet 
long, with a hook attached to the free end, makes a good way 
to fasten the bird. The hooks are to pass over the string, when 
it is wound around the bird's legs or wings and saves tying a 
knot each time. 



LOOKED GOOD TO CUSTOM OFFICIALS. 



South Vancouver, Canada, Jan. 4th, 1914. 
George Beuoy, Cedar Vale, Kans. 

Gentlemen: — Several months ago I purchased a No. 10 set 
of your caponizing tools. And put it to use a few days af- 
ter receiving it. I operated on 6 birds of my own and ten 
(10) belonging to another party and out of the bunch I only lost 
one bird. And out of the balance I did not have one "slip." 

I exhibited one of my capons at the Vancouver Poultry 
Show (A Buff Orphington) and took first prize. He weighed 
eight pounds before he was six months old. 

Your instruments looked so good to the CUSTOM OFFI- 
CERS that they passed them as surgical instruments on which 
there is no duty. 

Yours very truly 
Box 39. W. C. JENKINS. 



22 



CHAPTER VI 

THE OPERATION. 

Turn an empty barrel bottom side up to use for an operat- 
ing table. It is the right height and can't be beat for the pur- 
pose. Secure two pieces of cord, about three feet long with 
a hook in one end of each. Tie a half brick to the other end 




Position on Barrel, Properly Fastened for the Operation 

of each cord and you are ready to proceed. Place the cock- 
erel on the top of the barrel right side up. Wrap one of the 
cords twice around his legs and fasten with the hook. Wrap 
the other cord around his wings at second joint and fasten 
same as the other one, stretch him out on top of the barrel as 
far as possible, let the weights hang down on each side of the 
barrel as shown in the cut. 

Now pluck a few feathers from just in front of the hip 

23 



joint. (These are just ready to moult, anyway, and will come 
out easily.) Stand on the front side of the bird so that the 
breast is toward you. Locate the last two ribs Avith the fore- 
finger of the right hand, place the small blade of a sharp knife 
between them. (See cut). Hold it there with a firm, steady 




Making - the Cut Press Down Hard. Be Sure the Knife Point Goes 

Through Between the Ribs. 

pressure, draw it forward, pressing down hard all the time. 
Be sure the blade passes through, entirely separating the ribs 
when it first starts to move at that point. Then make the cut- 
about one inch long. (See the illustration). The idea is to 




Make the Cut One Inch Long. If any Blood Should Appear, Pause a 
Moment and Wipe it up With a Bit of cotton. 

separate the ribs without cutting any muscles and if the blade 
passes entirely through at the first attempt this will be ac- 
complished and no bleeding will follow. It will be necessary 
to press down very hard on the knife, as that is important. 



24 



The pressure separates the ribs without cutting the muscles, 
thereby preventing any blood from following. 

The cut made, insert the spreader and open the wound so 
that you can see to work. (See cut showing spreader in posi- 
tion). The first thing that you will see is a. thin skin or mem- 
brane covering the intestines. With the tearing hook make a 
small opening in this, which will bring the upper testicle into 
view, a snrall yellowish object about the size of a navy bean, 
]yin:_r up against the backbone, or nearly so, with a blue artery 
just back of it and sometimes attached to it. Care must be 
taken not to cut or tear this artery, or the bird is a dead one. 
Insert the testicle remover with the loops hell tightly together, 
pushing the intestines back and out of the way when necessary, 




Spreader Inserted, Showing the Method of Using" the Tearing- Hook. 
Note the Testicle in Plain A T iew Under the Thin Film or Tissue 
Covering. Actual Photo Without Faking in Any Way. 



with them. You will be able to see through the loops when 
you have them in the right place. Open the instrument and 
work the loops over the testicle, allowing it to shut gradually 
with the testicle inside the loops. Turn the tool half round, 
and back once or twice, so as to loosen the organ as much 
as possible. Be sure you have the grasping parts of the tool 
in the right position and then twist the testicle around a few 
times (like you would to twist a cord or string), drawing the 
parts outward all the time so as to stretch the cords out for 
about an inch. Then reach in with the small knife blade and 
cut the twisted cords and membranes off about half way be- 

25 



tween the testicle and where they attach to the bird. (See illus- 
tration, cutting- the testicle off). Remove the spreader, turn 
the bird over and repeat the operation on the other side, pro- 




Cutting- the Testicle Off. Note the Point of the Knife Under the Organ. 

From an Actual P-hoto. 



ceeding as before. It is possible to get both testicles from the 
same side, but it is harder and much more dangerous to do ; 
and the bird recovers quicker where it is opened up on both 
sides. Do not sew up the cut. "When the capon gets on his 
feet the cut in the skin will be up under his wing- and not over 



THE OLD EXPERT OPERATORS LIKE OUR TOOLS AMD 

RECOMMEND THEM 



Edgewater, Colo., June 9, 1912. 

George Beuoy: I received the Capon book, "What's a Capon 
and Why?" and have looked it over and will say it is a complete 
guide for either the amateur or professional caponizer, with the 
proper tools, "which are made by Geo. Beuoy, Cedar Vale, Kan. 
The so-called caponizing tools made and advertised by well 
known firms are absolutely worthless, as I have found by costly 
experience. Your truly, I. C. SANDS. 

Chicago, 111., Aug. IS, 1912. 

George Beuoy, Cedar Vale, Kan.: Enclosed money order for 
which please send me another New Model Remover like you sent 
me in July. I had a party to see it work today and he wishes 
one at once. Yours truly, JOHN BATES. 

3704 Harrison Street. 



26 



the ribs at all. (See illustration, three dead birds showing 
muscles on next page). 




The business end of the Geo. Beuoy Removers. No. 4 shows the loops 
and safety clutch, with testicle (No. 3) held firmly within its grasp. No. 
2 represents the cords and attachments and No. 1 shows our thin bladed 
knife cutting- the cords in the proper place and manner. You will note 
tihat the organ was first secured in the locps marked No. 4 and then 
the remover was turned round and .round so as to twist the cords as 
shown. The knife used to make the cut only. 



CAr:'T SE£ WHY 

Osborne, Kansas, May 24th, 1913. 
George Beuoy, Cedar Vale, Kansas. 

Dear Sir: — About a year ago I ordered a set of your Capon 
Tools and am very much pleased with the results. I worked on 
fifty (50) birds, NOT LOSING ONE. Had five slips and three 
that puffed up a little right after the operation. This is quite 
a poultry community, and I don't see why more are not making 
capons instead of raising a lot of roosters. I have already worked 
on a few birds this spring for neighbors, but would much rather 
they do the work themselves. Yours very truly, 

H. C. NIELSON, Breeder of White Wyandottes. 



WOULD NOT PART WITH THEM 

McPherson, Kans., Sept. 8th, 1913. 
Mr. George Beuoy, Cedar Vale, Kans. 

Dear Sir: — I received my caponizing set, No. 10, from you 
about two months ago. I would not part with it if I could 
not get another like it. I had grand success with it in every 
way. Have not lost a single bird yet. Have caponized some- 
thing over 100 chickens so far and have a good many left to 
work on yet. Yours truly, 

LEE WILSON. 



27 



The Above Three 
Pictures Are From 
Photos of the Same 
Bird Dressed and 
Skinned in Order to 
Show the Muscles as 
They Actually Are. 
Note the First Pic- 
ture Shows the Bird 
Stretched Out and 
the Ribs Separated. 
No Muscle Cut. The 
Next One Shows Two 
Ribs Laid Back to 
Give a View of the 
Cords and the Way 
to Cut Them. The 
Last is the Same 
Bird After the Tes- 
ticle Was Removed, 
Showing" How the 
Muscles Cover the 
Cut After the Bird 
Gets on His Feet. 




CHAPTER VII 
CARE AFTER THE OPERATION 

Wind Puffs. 

They will be ready for their feed as soon as turned loose, 
but should be watered first. Feed lightly of whatever they are 
accustomed lo. Be sure to separate them so that not' over 
eight or ten will go to roost in any one box or coop, as where 
there is a larger number together they will crowd and some 
will smother. After the second night following the operation 
they will be all right and may then be safely turned together. 
In three to four days after the operation some of the capons 
may develop wind puffs. This is caused by the cut healing 
too fast, It is not serious, only air or wind under the skin 
which cannot escape. The remedy is to make an opening in 
the skin so as to let it escape. A pin or needle will not make 
large enough opening; it is best to use a pair of scissors and 
cut out a small pinch of skin. This is just the outer skin of the 
bird and is void of feeling, so does not cause the fowl any suf- 
fering. This will not be necessary in very many birds, but 
once in a while it will occur. More often in birds where the 
operation is performed from one side only. In three or four 
ilays after the operation, the capons may be allowed the free 
run of the place. They are great rustlers, more like a hen in 
Actions and ar> -arance than anything else. Yei they are dii- 
ferent from ali other feathered creatures taking on fat in sur- 
prising amounts in proportion to the feed consumer. They will 
begin to heavy down and show that they are capons when 
about six months o±d. The American breeds will, if crowded 
along, weigh from ten to fifteen pounds when they are ten 
months of age. The operation may be performed at any tin,. 
in luiy mon f b of the year if the birds can be found that arp 
right. 



TWO PUFFED UP 

Lincoln, Neb., June 29th, 1913. 
George Beuoy, Cedar Vale, Kansas. 

Dear Sir: — Just a line to tell you that I have had GOOD 
success with the Geo. Beuoy Capon Tools that I got of you some 
time ago. 

I operated on fourteen "Anconas" the first time and killed 
only one (a very small one), and they are doing fine. Two of 
them puffed up a little, but are over it now. Have since operated 
on twenty "White Rocks." Lost NOT A SINLE ONE, so I think 
I am quite an expert. I will have a': out one hundred "Anconas" 
to fix the coming week. Yours truly, 

W. D. CRAWFORD. 



29 



We usually caponize the late fall cliiekens to use for foster 
mothers to take care of the early spring hatched chicks. Each 
winter we carry over about thirty to be used for that purpose. 
These fellows will then make fifteen-pound capons for the fol- 
lowing holiday season. They will command the very top 
prices, as the more they weigh the more they are worth p&r 
pound. 

PROPER FEED FOR CAPONS 

Feed the same as other poultry. They will do better, of 
course, on free range, but this is not essential. They are not 
subject to disease like other poultry, hence stand confinement 
well. Plenty of green feed is a big help. It makes them 
thrifty, for this purpose sowed oats, wheat or rye is best, witn 
alfalfa, just about as good. Sprouted oats are excellent. The 
main feed, however, should be corn — good yellow corn — all 
they can be induced to eat all the time. That is the proper 
wajr to feed it to capons for profit. Feed the other things 
mentioned in order to whet their appetites so they will eat 
more corn. Alfalfa meal wet up with milk, sour or sweet, is 
one of the best growing feeds we have ever tried. The last two 
weeks before marketing or butchering, confine them to a small 
yard and feed corn chop soaked in milk. Feed about four 
times a day, all that they can be coaxed to clean up good. This 
method will plump out the carcass and give that rich milk 
fed flavor so much in demand. 



A LADY WORKED 120 FIRST TIME; ONLY LOST ONE 

Mont Ida, Kansas. 
Mr. George Beuoy, Cedar Vale, Kansas. 

Dear Sir: — Please send me a list of capon buyers. I had 
splendid success with the Capon Tools (No. 10 set, bought of 
you). I have worked one hundred and twenty (120) birds and 
only lost one, and it was not right; had its back hurt. I worked 
Mrs. Atwater's chickens for her and she thought the tools could 
not be beat, and she sent for a set at once. I got ten cents apiece 
for working the birds and have the promise of one hundred more 
to work. We have eaten several capons and they are certainly 
GRAND. We will always have some capons on this farm. Wish- 
ing you the best of success, I remain, yours very truly, 

MRS. BELLE WATTS, R. R. No. 1. 

MADE 250 CAPONS WITHOUT A "SLIP" 



Springfield, Minn., December 8, 1913. 
Mr. George Beuoy, Cedar Vale, Kansas. 

Dear Sir: — Kindly let me know what you can furnish me six 
cockerels for. I made 250 capons this year and don't think I 
have a "slip." I never made a capon before this year or even 
saw it done. Yours truly, 

JULES J. MAUGET. 
(Note: Mr. Mauget used George Beuoy's No. 10 set of tools.) 



30 



CHAPTER VIII 

MARKETING 

Dealers will tell you that capons are in season or out of 
season, depending on the time of year that the inquiry is made. 
Capons, like strawberries, are good at any time of the year 
that you can get them. It takes capons from nine months to 
a year to mature. As chickens and other fowls are mostly 
hatched in the spring months, they will mature or get ripe dur- 
ing February, March and April, depending on the time that 
they were hatched. As there is no profit in holding them over 
during the summer months, or after they have become fully 
matured, it as a matter of course follows that they must be 
marketed during these three months; hence the so-called sea- 
son. As incubators come into more general use and chicks 
are hatched at all seasons of the year, it may be possible to 
secure capons at all times. In selling capons on the open 
market to local produce dealers if the best prices are expected, 
the seller must be able to furnish enough capons at one time 
and properly finished, to at least fill one crate. Any fair- 
minded person can readily see that a dealer can not handle one 
or two capons so as to make a profit, as they do not sell well 
in mixed lots, generally going at hen prices. If you are grow- 
ing them and expect to sell on the open market, always ar- 
range to have at least two dozen to market together. The more 
you have the better prices you will be able to obtain. Dealers 
will bid much higher where there is enough birds to make it 
interesting. 

Where several neighbors can arrange to club together and 



McPherson, Kansas, April 4, 1914. 
Richard Butler Produce Co., Kansas City, Mo. 

Gentlemen: — Have received quotations regular and thanks 
for them. Also note that you advise shipment now. Will say 
that I have shipped you all the capons I had. I was very well 
satisfied with the price I received but was a little surprised 
at the amount they lost in weight between here and there. We 
did not have the acurate weight but thought it was about 12 
or 14 pounds more than they weighed there. 

There are a few other parties here who have been watch- 
ing my capons to see how they grow and how much I received 
for them and they are going to have some chicks caponized 
this year. Two other parties besides myself are going to try 
to raise 100 capons each this summer and have them weighing 
as near 10 pounds by next February or March as we can. Be- 
tween the three of us and with what others we can get we ought 
to have around 4,000 pounds by March 1st, 1915. 

Thanking you for past favors, I am, Yours truly, 

LEE WILSON. 



31 



have their capons ready at the same time, and all sell together, 
much better prices can be realized. Small capons do not sell 
well, as they must possess size in order to show that they are 
real capons. The little ones look too much like small roosters. 
To bring top prices capons should weigh over eight pounds 
each. In this respect they are no different from other animals, 
as it is pretty well understood that runty, under-sized steers or 
hogs do not command the best prices. Quality counts in capons 
as well as in all other animals. Pure bred fowls show up their 
quality and run much more even in all market requirements 
than common or mixed breeds, therefore it is desirable to use 
standard or pure bred fowls for capons. Chickens and ducks 
make the best capons for profit. Turkeys and geese may be 
worked on, but have to be kept about two years to become 
fully matured, therefore are not so popular for caponizing, 
Barred Plymouth Rock chickens are perhaps the best for mak- 
ing capons. Their long back gives plenty of room to do the 
work. Their large size, yellow skin and legs, together with 
their quick-growing qualities, makes them very desirable as 
capons. The fact that they are great winter layers makes it 
possible to get fertile eggs to incubate very early in the sea- 
son. The greatest point in favor of Barred Rocks for capons 
is due to the fact that you can tell the males much sooner than 
in any other breed of fowls. In the Barred Roc :s the males 
can be told as soon as hatched, as they are always much lighter 
in color than the females. In some breeds of chickens, es- 
pecially the solid colored birds, it is very hard to tell the males 
soon enough to make good capons. Outside of the facts men- 
tioned any breed of fowls will make good capons. 

Leghorns and the small breeds make good mothers and 
furnish capons with that gamey flavor so much favored by 
certain classes. It is well to remember that it will pay to have 
a few capons whether you ever sell one or not. You cannot 
afford to be without them for your own use. The fact that 
they bring twice as much as any other class of poultry need 
not be considered. The point is they are the best eating on 
earth. Everyone that has chickens at all should have some 
capons, especially when you can have them without any extra 
expense. One capon will more than pay for the tools to do it 
with. Dressed capons bring the highest price. In dressing, it 
must be done in a way to show that it is a capon. Otherwise 
the purchaser could not tell for sure what it was; he might 
think it only a rooster. In order that there be no mistake on 
this point, custom ' and fashion long established has laid down 
certain rules that must be followed in dressing capons for the 
market. 

One requirement is that the capons arrive in as nearly 
whole condition as possible. It is desirable that they be drawn, 
in fact some state laws require it. In order to draw a fowl 
without mutilating the carcass, it is necessary that the bird 

32 



be not allowed anything to eat for at least twenty-four hours 
before they are killed. Confined for that length of time with- 
out anything to eat the crop and intentines will become entirely 
empty. This makes these organs much smaller in size, as well 
as toughening them, thus permitting them to be taken out 
with ease. 

A capon's comb and wattles never grow after the opera- 
lion, and the real capon always has a pale look about the head, 
only the slips will redden up. In the real capon the head re- 
mains very small. The spurs on a capon will develop slowly un- 
less removed. The same as the horns on a steer. They will 
not get so large as the entire male's but they will grow some 
just the same. For these reasons the real capon must always 
have the head left on, together with a few neck feathers. That 
is his trademark, so to speak. On a capon the tail feathers 
and coverlets are very long and abundant, for that reason they 
must be left on. And just to give the carcass a finished look 
the feathers on the two outer joints of the wings are also left. 
The feet are left on and in some places where the market re- 
quires it a ring of feathers are left around each leg just above 
the knee joint. 

Always dry pick your capon. Do not scald, as this would 
spoil the keeping qualities of the bird ; besides it would ruin the 
leathers. Capon feathers are valuable. They will more than 
pay for the dressing. They sell next to duck and gees feathers. 
All of the coarse hard feathers are left on the bird, only the 
soft, downy ones being plucked. 

As it is necessary for the capon hea d to remain on the car- 
cass the only practical way to kill him will be to stick inside 
the mouth. As there are two veins that join just under the 
skin in the back part of the mouth this is easy done, and much 
more humane than chopping their heads off, anyway. The 
small blade of an ordinary pocket knife will be all that is re- 
quired. (See cut for proper way to do it). To make the stick, 
hang the capon up by his feet, as he will bleed out much 
quicker and cleaner in this position and be ready to pick as 
soon as properly stuck. Reach the blade of the knife well 
back in his mouth, sharp edge up, and sever the veins as shown 
in the illustration. Then stick the point of the knife through 
the roof of the bird's mouth, so that the point will enter the 
brain. This will cause him to loose all feeling and will cause 
the feathers to loosen. After he is properly stuck you can 
pluck the feathers with ease; they will almost come out of 
their own accord after you learn to make the stick just right. 
It is a good scheme to have a small weight attached to a small 
hook to hang in his lower bill while you are picking. This will 
hold him still and prevent swinging around. The bird properly 
plucked, all pin feathers and down having been removed, due 
care being taken not to tear or bruise the skin, the bird is 
ready to draw. It is best to have a table handy for this pur- 

33 



pose. Lay the carcass on its back and cut around the vent. A 
great deal of fat will be found at this point, attached to tht$ 




The Proper Way to Make the Stick. The Drawing Shows Where to Find 

the Arteries to Cut. 

intestines ; as you pnll them out push the fat back into the 
bird. This fat will "bug out" at the opening when the bird 




correct avr 

CROOI/Z W 



EYE 
END QFBEfKk 



is finished and give it a very rich, tempting appearance. When 
the end of the intestine is reached run the thumb and fore- 



34 



linger up inside the bird as far as possible and break them off, 
leaving everything else inside the bird The crop is perfectly 
empty and clean, hence it is left in, as it could not be removed 
withouc spoiling the looks of the carcass. Now wash him very 
thoroughly; be sure to get the feet and head clean; sponge the 
breast very carefully. Hang up by the feet and allow to cool 
over night, then they will be ready to pack for shipment. Line 
a box or barrel with nice clean white paper and put the birds in 




(Photo by Deering. ) 

Just Finished, Properly Dressed, Weight Twenty Pounds, dressed Ten 

Pounds E'aoh, Worth Twenty-five Cents per Pound, or Five 

Dollars foir the Pair. 

breast down. If it is warm weather, put in plenty of ice in 
top and bottom. 

The market for capons is unlimited. The writer had 
thought of making up a list of firms that are regular buyers of 
capons in different sections of the country. In fact, we started 
to make up the list, but found that there were so many of these 
firms that it would be impossible to get them into a work of 
this character. If it so happens that you are in a section where 
there is not aready market for capons just drop a line to The 
Capon Man, Cedar Vale, Kan., and enclose a stamp for reply. 
You will then be furnished free of charge the address of some 
reliable buyer of capons in your immediate section, no matter 
what, part of America you may reside in. 

35 



FACTS ABOUT CAPONS 

Capons are the most profitable part of the chicken busi- 
ness. They are not subject to disease like other poultry. Sold 
on the open market, capons will average at least twice as much 
per pound as hens. 

A capon will average about twice as heavy and bring twice 
as much per pound, therefore a capon will sell for just four 
times as much money as the ordinary hen. The cost to raise 
the capon is just the same as for the hen. 

Remember, it will pay you to have a few capons just for 
your own use, whether you ever intend to sell one or not. 
Capons, fat and well finished will bring on the market from 
$2.00 to $3.00 each, sold one at a time or in bunches. Capons 
are always in demand. The supply of capons is never equal 
to market requirements. 

CAPON MARKET GUARANTEED 

We guaranteed to furnish you a ready market at the top 
prices for any or all capons that you can furnish, fat and well 
finished. They will usually bring more, but it is safe to figure 
that they will sell for twice as much per pound as the aver- 
age price of hens. 

The bigger the capon the more he will bring per pound. 
Early spring hatched chicks make the very best capons and 
bring the highest prices. Late summer and fall hatched chicks 
make the best capons to use as mothers for little chicks. 

In caponizing, the only loss worth considering will be from 
the ' ' slips ' ' that you make. There are never enough birds killed 
in operating to amount to anything, and if this should happen 
the birds is just as good to eat as if killed in any other way. 
Where the old style instruments were used fully half the birds 
worked would develop into "slips", no matter how expert the 
operator might be. With the new Geo. Beuoy Automatic 
Capon Tools anyone can make real capons every time. These 
new tools have a safety clutch that prevents "slips." 

"A SLIP" is a bird that has been operated on and a part 
of the organ or its attachment left inside the bird. Where this 
occurs Nature attempts to grow a new organ and a "slip" or 
staggy bird results. And, like a stag in other animals, he is 
docked or sold for less money on the market. With th« tool 
illustrated on following page you can see through the loops all 
the time and know what you are doing, therefor you get no 
"slips." 

36 



The Top Notch Poultry 

■■ i ■ n ■ ■ t ■ nr — ria^r— — i» r~ ir ~i ~im — m ' i n - i ~ i «~ i ■ i» — t — mi ir — m — «■ "^~M ■■ — ibi — ■■ 

Paper of the West 

Get hold of a copy and you'll understand McClaskey's 
success as eidtor of POULTRY CULTURE. He knows the 
the three branches of the poultry industry — that of the 
financier, the breeder and the poultry farmer from A to Z, 
and he knows the poultry growers of the West. He makes 
POULTRY CULTURE interesting, readable and practical 
from cover to cover. 




G. D. M^CLASKEY, Editorial Manager 
POULTRY CULTURE. 

In covering the real poultry news of its field it is not 
equalled. Among our regular contributors are L. H. Wible, 
about the most successful poultry grower in Kansas; Prof. 
W. A. Lippincott, of the Kansas Agricultural College; T. E. 
Quisinberry, Missouri's greatest poultry man; R. H. Searle 
and Michael K. Bo^er. 

Subscrip on price 50c a yeer. 

Address 

POULTRY CULTURE 

ARTHUR CAPPER, Publisher. 
TOPEKA, KANSAS 



37 



$25.00 IN GOLD THE WINNING EXHIBIT 




A part of George Beuoy's Capon display at the Kansas 
Federation Show at Independence. Note the case of ribbons 
above the Capons; each ribbon won in hot competition. This 
was the largest display of Capons ever held in this or any other 
country of which we have any record. Mr. Beuoy's display of 
Capons and his instruments have won the highest scold awards 
at every exhibition and show that he has shown at in the last 
three years. At this show Mr. Beuoy was elected president of 
the Kansas Poultry Federation. 



NEVER SAW THE OPERATION; HAD SPLENDID SUCCESS 

Columbus, Onio, Jan. 24th, 1914. 
Mr. George Beuoy, Cedar Vale, Kansas. 

Dear Sir: — I bought a No. 10 set of Capon Tools of you. I 
have about 75 capons. As this is my first experience T wish your 
assistance in MARKETING them. My capons are mostly small 
mixed breeds. Next year I will have all Barred Plymouth Rocks. 
I had very good luck for my first experience, for I had never 
seen the operation performed; in fact, I had neve) seen a set 
of tools. I read your directions and went at it, and Only lost 
but a very few. Yours very truly, GUS H. WEBER. 



38 



KANSAS CITY, WICHITA, INDEPENDENCE 

3 Times — Highest Gold 
Award — 3 Times 

Capon tools, to prove their merit, must make real capons 
and not "slips." At the Kansas State Poultry Show at Wich- 
ita, 1913, the HIGHEST GOLD AWARD and best prize of the 
show was given to an exhibit of twenty capons all made with 
the Geo. Beuoy Automatic Safe Capon Tools. Patented 1911 
and 1912. 

Missouri State and Kansas City fanciers combined show 
held at Kansas City convention hall Dec, 1913, George Beuoy 
Capon Tools again proved their merit by winning both the first 
and second prizes and all cash awards on Capons. 

The largest display of Capons ever assembled in a show 
room at Independence, Kan., Jan. 1914. The best prizes offered 
on poultry in the state of Kansas this season were offered on 
Capons at Independence and George Beuoy Capon Tools again 
won over all makes and styles, the coveted prize of $25.00 in 
srold given by the Richard Butler Produce Co. of Kansas City, 
Mo. for the best display of Capons all kinds and varieties com- 
peting. 

George Beuoy Capon Tools won three years in succession 
at the three largest and best Capon shows in this or any other 
country. 

3 Times— Highest Gold 
Award — 3 Times 

The winning exhibit of twenty Capons at the Kansas State 
Show, referred to above and made with Automatic Safe Capon 
Tools, were pronounced by Judge Rapp of Illinois to be 100 per 
cent Capons. The next best display, made with Pilling Tools, 
were 33 1-3 per cent "slips", or only 62 2-3 per cent Capons. 
In buying Capon tools it pays to get the best. We guarantee 
Geo. Beuoy Capon Tools to be the best made for the purpqse, 
or your money back, you to be the judge. Order a set of our 
tools and compare them with any other Capon tools made. If 
you don't like ours best return them and we will refund your 
money in full and no questions asked, or 

CO. D. if You Prefer 

39 



Geo. Beuoy Automatic 



■^ »■■■ m ■ 






■^■•■^^•■M 



■■■ ■ ■ I ■ ■' 



Safe Capon Tools 



*m^*mmtmmi^+ 



Make the operation simple, safe and easy. Ladies or chil- 
dren over ten years of age can nse these tools just as well as 
anyone. Used by the United States Government. Four sets 
were sold to the government officers for use at Jefferson Bar- 
racks last season. 

Geo. Beuoy Latest Remover 




TESTED (PATENTED 1912) TESTED 

The business end of this remover consists of two loops, the lips of 
which are beveled outward like a dove's tail and fitted together like a 
split hair. The outward bevel prevents it grasping parts that are not 
wanted and the fine adjusted grip holds the parts to be removed abso- 
lutely secure. The instrument is made of Bessemer steel adjusted by 
hand and finished in the best nickel plate. Price, postpaid $1.7."» 

SEE PAGE 47 



Indorsed and recommended by the leading Agricultural 
College and Experiment Stations, one of which wrote under 
the date of March 6th, 1913. 

"I am certainly pleased with the Automatic Capon Tools 
secured of you last fall. Especially with their simplicity and 
also with the ease and quickness with which a person can per- 
form the operation. We had excellent success with the instru- 
ments and like them very much. Yours sincerely, 

"Supt. of Poultry Husbandry." 

40 



Geo. Beuoy H umane Spreader 

This is the instrument used to spread the last two ribs 
apart so that you can see to do the work. We furnish full and 
complete illustrated instructions with each purchase. If you 
want to know all about Capons get a copy of "What's a Capon 
and Why?" which is the best information on the subject ever 
published. We send it postpaid for fifty cents. 




TESTED (PATENTED 1912) TESTED 

The flanges, marked No. 1, are inserted between the ribs and the 
handles, marked No. 4, brought together, the link, marked No. 3, drops 
back by gravity and holds them spread at any desired width. The hinge, 
marked No. 2, fits up into the bird's flank and holds the tool steady. 



PROOF THAT BEGINNERS DO NOT KILL THE BIRDS 

Chelsea, Okla., Aug. 31, 1912. 
George Beuoy, Cedar Vale, Kan.: You will remember that I 
bought an outfit of your caponizing instruments this season. I 
operated on 118 fine Barred Rock boys and only lost two birds. 
As I had never seen an operation of this kind, to say that I am 
pleased is putting it rather mildly. The instructions were so 
very plain that I did not even try on a dead bird as recom- 
mended, but operated on ten before I killed my first bird. So 
far I haven't had a "slip" to develop. Any "BOOST" I can give 
ycu I will gladly do so. Yours verv truly. 
--_ C. E. BRASHER, 

R. R. No. 1, Box 28. 



41 




TESTED (PATENTED 1912) TESTED 
GEORGE BEUOY HUMANE SPREADER— This picture shows the 
tool open. You have plenty of room to work between the arm, marked 
No. 1. The compound spring- hinge, marked No. 2, closes the spreader 
automatically and presents a yielding force that is most humane in its 
action. Price, postpaid $1.30 



GEORGE BEUOY SAYS TO TELL YOU 



That he has the best and only exclusive equipment 
for making- Capon tools in the United States. Mr. Beuoy 
devotes his entire time to making and selling Capon in- 
struments and every instrument that leaves his factory has 
been personally inspected and adjusted by him. Mr. Beuoy 
personally owns all the stock of the Capon Tool Co. and 
will make all guarantees and agreements of that company 
good. Making Capon Instruments is not a side line, but 
is Mr. Beuoy 's specialty. His entire time is devoted to 
making the best possible instruments. His trained work- 
men make Capon tools and nothing else, each workman 
is an expert caponizer and keeps in practice on live birds 
raised and finished right at the factory. Mrs. Beuoy and 
daughter, Helen, raise and care for the chickens. Mr. 
Beuoy makes the instruments and the Capons and guar- 
antees them. His instruments are fifty years in advance, 
not behind. The instrument trust, the old time out-of- 
date "side line makers" are imitating his tools, be sure 
to get the genuine George Beuoy Instruments. 

The only Tested Guaranteed Caponizing Instruments 
on the market. 



42 



Geo. Beuoy New Model 

*-^*^-*Hf*i^~-rr"iri -ng— ar" »»wm -— — r*-— -g- - M .n i~»- — r-" 1 — iit~ih miimj ■■■! i» im»ihh — ■l^i_wi_ ■ 

Remover 




TESTED (PATENTED 1911) TESTED 

THE GEORGE BEUOY NEW MODEL, REMOVER — Open ready for 
business. The compound spring- hinge shuts the tool automatically and 
holds it securely closed. The loops, marked No. 1, and the arms, marked 
No. 2, are exactly the same as on the Automatic Remover and are cov- 
ered by the same patents. The two removers are used much the same. 
The New Model, however, opens and closes like a pair of scissors cr 
forceps and is preferred by some for that reason. It costs us more to 
make it and is sold higher for that reason and not on account of any 
advantage it has over the Automatic Remover. Price of New Model Re- 
mover, postpaid $3.00 

SEE PAGE 47 



AN EXPERT COULD NOT FIND THEIR EQUAL 

Davis, California, July 25th, 1913. 
Mr. George Beuoy, Cedar Vale, Kans. 

Dear Sir: — I have made caponizing a business on the coast 
and have not yet found any tools to equal those I purchased 
from you. I purchased the tools a year ago and have had 
splendid results. 

1 have interested several parties on the coast and expect 
before the year is over to have caponized THIRTY THOUSAND 
BIRDS. 

Thanking you for information relative to this matter, I am, 

Very truly, 

S. D. WILKINS, Box 239. 



Geo. Beuoy Capon Tools 
Fifty Years in Advance 



43 



Prices of George Beuoy 



fm*m^mm**m0*t^mm^i 



Capon Tool Sets 



■ i ■ m m 



OUR $2.50 SET— AUTOMATIC SAFE CAPON SET NO. 8 

This set of tools is exactly the same as the No. 10 set de- 
scribed below, except that we put in the common coil spring 
for spreading the ribs instead of the Humane Spreader. The 




spreader that we send with this set is an extra good spring 
spreader. Excepting the Humane Spreader it is the best 
spreader that we have seen. We guarantee you cannot equal 
it anywhere else for the price. 
The No. 8 Capon Set, price, postpaid $2.50 

GEORGE BEUOY AUTOMATIC SAFE CAPON SET NO. 10 

This set is put up in a neat box, packed in cotton and con- 
tains the Automatic Remover as illustrated on page 40. and 
the Humane Spreader as shown on page 41, the new design 
of operating knife made from imported Swedish band saw steel. 




the combination hook and probe, together with the necessary 
hooVs and cords for fastening the bird. These tools are the very 
best workmanship and are made from Bessemer steel and im- 
ported German spring steel. They cost a little more, but are 
worth it. Sent postpaid with full and complete instructions. 
Price, via parcels post, prepaid $3.50 

44 



A $5.00 SET OF CAPON TOOLS WORTH THE MONEY 

No. 11, New Model. 

This set will please the most exacting. It contains the New 
Model Remover, illustrated on page 43 ; also the Humane 
Spreader shown on page 41. The new design, thin bladed 
lmife, seven inches long* The combination hook and probe, 




togther with the necessary cords and attachments for securing 
the bird. Finished like all of our tools in the very best nickel 
plate and polished. Together wii?h full and complete instruc- 
tions, fully illustrated, packed in cotton in neat box and sent 
via parcels post, prepaid $5.00 

No. 9, New Model. 

This set is the same as No. 11, except that it has the com- 
mon coil spring spreader instead of the Humane Spreader. 
Price, via parcels post, prepaid $4.00 

We recommend the George Beucy No. 10 Caponizing sets 
for the use of most people. It is the set that most poultrymen 
who know buy. It gives great satisfaction. 

PROFESSONALS AND VETERINARIANS COMBINATION 

CAPONIZING SETS 

No. 15 Sets 

This set of tools is intended to meet the demand and re- 
quirements of those that intend to make a business of caponiz- 
ing and for those that wish to have a set of tools that leaves 
nothing to be desired. The instruments that go into this set 
are the same high grade tools that are put into our other sets. 
It sells for more money on account that it contains more- 
instruments than are in any one of the other sets. 
In this set we are putting one instrument of all our different 
makes as follows: The Automatic Remover, the New Model 
Remover, the Humane Spreader, the common coil spring 
Spreader, one Operating Knife, a set of hooks and cords for 
fastening the bird, the Combination Probe and Hook, together 
with one copy of "What's a Capon and Why?" All packed in 
cotton in a neat box and sent postpaid: 
Price, via parcels post, prepaid $7.50 

Instructions for sending money and address on page 47. 

45 



Geo. Beuoy Capon Tools 
Fifty Years in Advance 




No. 1. Hooks and cords for fastening the fowl during the operation. 

The hooks are for fastening the cords about the fowls legs and 

wings and saves tieing a &not each time. 
Price, postpaid 15c 




No. 2. Operating knife for separating the ribs and removing the testicles 
Also an excellent knife for killing all kinds of poultry for market. 
Made from the best grade of imported Swedish band saw steel, will 
hold a razor edge. Finished in best grade of nickel. 

Price, postpaid 25c 




No. 3. Common Spring Spreader. Made from the best grade of spring 
steel. Adjusted to spread birds of one pound and half to two pounds 
in weight. Can be regulated as to strength by bending the arms of 
the spring to suit. Finished in polished nickle. 

Price, postpaid 25c 



No. 4. Combined Hook and Probe. The sharp hook end for making the 
opening in the tissue covering the intestines so that the testicles 
may be plainly seen. The flat probe end for pushing the intestines 
back in case it is necessary, so as to have a clear view of the work 
to be done. This is a mighty handy instrument to use in dressing 
any kind of a wound. Cotton may be wrapped about the hook end 
for wiping up blood or for cleaning an old so:e. Farmers will find 
this instrument especially useful in removing screw worms from 
barb wire cuts. Made from the best grade of open hearth steel, 
heavily plated and polished. 

Price, postpaid 25c 

46 



Remember-These Tools Are 
Sold Subject to Your Approval 

Tested — Guaranteed 

Order a set or a single instrument. When it comes, look 
it over and try it out. Then if it is not up to your expectations 
iii every way return it to us within a reasonable time and we 
will refund your money or if you prefer send 10 cents in 
stamps and we will send them C. O. D. via parcels post and you 
can just pay the mail carrier for them. 

Please do not send personal checks. We have to pay ex- 
change on them. 

Remit by Bank Draft, Postoffice Money Order or Express 
Order. We have one of the largest Poultry Farms in the 
country — 160 acres devoted to the raising of chickens for profit 
exclusively. We will take pleasure in answering any or all 
questions that you may care to ask. More than that, they 
will be answered by a man who knows what he is talking 
about, a man who is making good raising chickens. Address 
and make all moneys payable to 

GEORGE BMJOY, Cedar Vale, Kan. 




47 



SODIUM SULPHITE THE $400 POULTRY REMEDY 

I have a POULTRY REMEDY that I want you to know 
about ; it has done me a lot of good and if I did not know about 
this preventive and cure I would quit the poultry business 
at once. It is not a patented article and can be had in bulk at 
any drug store for a few cents a pound and is the only drug 
that I know of that has any noticeable effect on poultry. 

I am just back from a lecture trip with the Kansas City 
Southern Railroad company. Going as poultry lecturer on 
their Better Farming Train, Kansas City to the Gulf and giving 
twenty-six lectures at that many different towns on the trip. 
A few months ago I was on a lecture trip with the Missouri 
State Poultry Board and gave lectures and demonstrations at 
many points in Missouri. The past winter I have judged and 
lectured at some twenty towns in Kansas and Oklahoma, in- 
cluding the Kansas State Agriculture College and the big In- 
dustrial Normal School at Pittsburg, Kan. There have been 
large and interested crowds at all of these meetings. I think I 
have lectured and demonstrated the art of Caponizing to at 
least two hundred thousand (200,000) people in the last year 
and in every place the first question usually asked is, "What 
Is Good For Roupe." Personally I spent over $400.00 for drugs 
before I found a drug that had any noticeable effect on roupy 
birds. 

SODIUM SULPHITE or as it is commonly called SUL- 
PHITE OF SODA. As a preventive use a tablespoon to a 
gallon of drinking water. Keep this where the birds will have 
to drink it. If they are real sick use a heaping tablespoon to 
the gallon of drinking water. This is a blood remedy and is 
effective for any trouble where there is a secretion of pus. 
Therefor it is a sure cure for chickenpox, sore head, the so- 
called cholera and roup. It is a splendid bowel remedy and it 
is good for the dreaded White Diarrhoea in little chicks. For 
little new hatched chicks it is given in the water and in the 
same proportions as to the larger ones. 

We have from five hundred to fifteen hundred chickens 
all the time. It is now six years since we began to use this 
simple remedy and we have not lost a fowl from a disease since 
we learned how to give it. 

In connection with this remedy it will be necessary to 
clean up and to use a disinfectant in and around the roosting 
and feeding quarters. For this purpose use lime and use it 
liberally. Get a barrel of lime and slack it ; to each barrel of lime 
nse a gallon of crude carbolic acid. Mix the acid in the slacked 
lime while it is in doughv state and then add water to make a 
good whitewash and put it on liberally inside the house, outside 
and all over and around. Soak the ground with this mixture. 
This mixture will also rid the hen house of Mites. Bedbugs. 
Ticks, Lice and all Vermin and will be a great aid in getting 
rid of any disease. GEORGE BEUOY. 

48 



NOTICE TO 
POULTRYMEN ! 

If you are in the 
market for a cata- 
log, business cards, 
stationery, in fact 
for printing of any 
kind, look over this 
book, and if it is done 
according to your 
idea of good print- 
ing, just write to 

■»■»*— ' i » * ii ■— i» «ihhii'« <m ^i m<»» — ^■^■#— ^— — — <m^ 

The County Liner 

QUALITY PRINTING 
CEDAR VALE .... KANSAS 



49 



LIFE MEMBER 




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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

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